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Life in Dundonald is set to get 'Rapid'
| A Department for Regional Development Report has stated that a high class bus-based network could cut commuting times into Belfast whilst costing significantly less than the cost of a light rail system, which they claim is not viable. Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy said a new bus network for Belfast was affordable and realistic. A light rail network is estimated to cost £590m with annual running costs of £6.78m whilst the bus alternative would only cost £147m with running costs of £1.44m annually. The project is likely to cost Northern Ireland taxpayers a £100m investment. Three pilot routes have been identified: 1. Dundonald through to Belfast City 2. Titanic Quarter and onwards to Queen's University and then the City Hospital 3. Belfast City to the Royal Victoria Hospital and into west Belfast The minister is stressing that no decision has yet been made on which high speed transit network he will recommend to his ministerial colleagues. |
Editorial
| Interested parties and key stakeholders now have 6 weeks
in which to make their representations to the Minister after which time
he will give his considered view on the best alternatives to his
Executive colleagues in Stormont.
Whilst the bones of the story has no real flesh on them, Cherryvalley residents may wish to keep a close eye on developments as some politicians in the past have indicated a preference to have such a service use the old railway line through the area, which is currently used as a nature walk and cycle track through to comber. Whilst it would be a deplorable waste of public money to build this walkway only to later destroy it for this transport project, it may happen. If this railway line was used it is possible to see Cherryvalley turned into traffic chaos with new crossings on the Kings Road, possible terminus located in Kingsdale Park and with little overall benefit to the local population. A viable road transport policy is required but one that benefits Dundonald, Cherryvalley and East Belfast as a whole without destroying communities and ways of life. |
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